Latest news with #MichaelAnthony
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel promises it will finally reopen in September after numerous delays
Cue up Cole Porter! The iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, once home to the great Broadway composer but closed for eight years, will finally reopen to guests in September — months later than Hilton promised it would, and after four previous delays since the hotel closed in 2017. A Hilton Instagram post says, 'The iconic hotel is set to welcome guests once again this coming September.' A Waldorf-Astoria New York spokesperson told The Post, 'We expect to open our doors sooner. Our exact opening date is still being determined.' An industry source said, 'No wonder they're being cautious. Every time they touted a reopening, it didn't happen.' A reopening will be a relief to Hilton, which has 90 years left on a 100-year management contract. The Waldorf was first touted to reopen in 2021, 2023, 2024 and, most recently, this spring. The Waldorf-Astoria is beloved by New Yorkers and visitors for its Art Deco architecture and interior treasures such as Peacock Alley with Cole Porter's piano, which will again be on display. Multiple media outlets have touted hotel managing director Luigi Romaniello, its decorators, a restaurant called Lex Yard run by Gramercy Tavern chef Michael Anthony — and also the inaccurate opening schedules. A Hilton web site posting for staff uniforms 'designed by NO Uniform, the specialist design studio led by acclaimed British couture designer Nicholas Oakwell,' also included the September reopening date. Construction sources told The Post in February that the Waldorf's spring target couldn't be met and the hotel wouldn't be ready to receive guests until as late as October. Hilton operates several dozen hotels and resorts around the world branded as the 'Waldorf Astoria Collection.' But sources said Hilton suits were 'privately fuming' over repeated delays to bringing back the original Waldorf on Park Avenue. Hilton sold the landmarked property to China's Anbang Insurance Group for $1.95 billion in 2015. Anbang was to convert more than half of the landmark to luxury condos while reducing 1,400 guest rooms and suites to 375, although the new ones would be larger than the originals. But as the $2 billion-plus construction project inched along, Anbang's chief executive was imprisoned by the Chinese government in 2018. A new company, Daija Insurance Group, took over the Waldorf job — but proved little more swift than its predecessor. The new Waldorf boasts 375 luxury condo units, a few of which have begun receiving residents. Sources said Daija's frenzy to complete the condos — from studios priced just below $2 million to lavish four-bedroom units up to $15 million — got the most attention. 'The hotel part wasn't on the fast track,' one source said.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SocialCon ambassadors seek to learn, inspire at upcoming event
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—The inaugural SocialCon, an event that will bring together local and national influencers to expand the networks and visibility of local content creators, is fast approaching. On June 7, 2025, social media lovers and experts will gather at the Eleven Events Center on Texas Street for the first-ever SocialCon. Two locals tapped to represent N. Louisiana creators as ambassadors for the event are photographer, stylist, and content creator Michael Anthony, and Brittany Ann, who is passionate about her engaging with her community and physical fitness. Content creators, influencers, small businesses don't miss SocialCon 2025 Michael Anthony is a native of Minden but resides in the greater Shreveport area. Brittany Ann is from Mer Rouge, Louisiana, the revelation of which caused an impromptu geography lesson because of its remote location and tiny population. But they both say they are moving in their purpose: to share, guide, and create via social media platforms. Both Michael and Brittany say they were shocked when event organizer Kalli Combs invited them to serve as ambassadors. 'I received the email saying congratulations. You are being asked to be an ambassador for the first SocialCon for 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana. And of course, I was super excited. I could not resist,' Brittany Ann said. Michael said he was wowed by the invitation: 'When someone pays attention, notices you, and wants you to be part of what they have going on, it was just a wow for me.' Both said that while they are very nervous about the duty of helping Kalli and Ryan Combs set a high bar with the first-ever SocialCon, they are also very excited about the opportunity. Shreveport media personality ready to share digital talents, expert insights at SocialCon 'I really feel that it's needed because there's so much potential with so many great people who are doing content in the area, info to have this space in, you know, it's everything for us, you know, because we don't have this space. We don't have moments like this where we can all come together, you know, just network and collab and, you know, just have fun, you know, and doing what we love to do,' Michael Anthony said. Both creators say authenticity is the key to a successful social media presence. No one wants to become popular behind a caricature of themselves, which will require a 'rebrand' because a lie is not sustainable. Brittany Ann admittedly is 'in love with social media' but says collaboration over competition is the key to maintaining that love and fulfilling her purpose. 'Do not try to do it alone. There's plenty of room for everybody at the top. If we can lock in with somebody, we can always grow together.' You can follow Brittany Ann and Michael Anthonny on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about them or follow their journey. SocialCon 2025 is on Saturday, June 7, at The Eleven Events Center on Texas Street; for tickets or more information, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
